Climate change threatens species: nature conservation urgently needs an update!

Climate change threatens species: nature conservation urgently needs an update!

The discussion about nature conservation in times of climate change is becoming increasingly urgent. A rigid approach that has previously prevailed can no longer cope with the changes. There are around 9,000 protected areas in Germany, which are primarily dedicated to the preservation of rare species. But these static protection concepts are losing effectiveness due to climate change, as Welt reports.

The German Nature Conservation Act and the EU Flora-Fauna-Habitat Directive are largely focused on maintaining the status quo. Professor Kai Niebert sharply criticizes this approach and calls for a more dynamic understanding of nature conservation. Climate change brings with it changes in the living conditions of plants and animals, and the question arises as to which condition should serve as a benchmark. For example, the Alpine mosaic damsel is migrating to higher altitudes due to rising temperatures, while the cod is fleeing to cooler water because its food is migrating to the North Atlantic. European holly is also showing a worrying spread to northern regions.

The challenges of nature conservation

Niebert emphasizes that the conservative approach to nature conservation is largely helpless in the face of climate change. Experts advocate preserving natural functions, for example by promoting soil and groundwater formation. Rewetted moors and intact forests are important here because they are able to store climate-relevant carbon dioxide and reduce the consequences of extreme weather.

One of Niebert's key demands is not only to protect landscapes, but also to give them scope for development in order to meet current challenges. A joint task for climate adaptation and nature conservation firmly anchored in the Basic Law could help to effectively implement these ideas.

The networking of protected areas

Another important point is the networking of protected areas to enable species migration. Sabine Riewenherm, President of the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation, calls for more flexibility in nature conservation measures in order to be able to respond appropriately to the changing growing seasons. These demands are relevant not only for nature conservation policy, but for society as a whole, which must adapt to the challenges of climate change.

Developments in nature conservation are an indispensable part of the discussion about climate change and require a rethink in order to meet the challenges of the future. Whether the new approaches ultimately bear fruit remains to be seen, but the need for adaptation is undeniable.